DIARY OF LONDON
2ist January, 1686. I dined at my Lady Arlington's,
Groom of tlie Stole to the Queen Dowager, at Somerset
House, where dined the Countesses of Devonshire, Dover,
etc.; in all eleven ladies of quality, no man but myself
being there.
24th January, 1686. Unheard-of cruelties to the perse-
cuted Protestants of France, such as hardly any age has
seen the like, even among the Pagans.
6th February 1686. Being the day on which his Majesty
began his reign, by order of Council it was to be solem-
nized with a particular office and sermon, which the Bishop
of Ely preached at Whitehall on Numb. xi. 1.2; a Court
oration upon the regal office. It was much wondered at,
that this day, which was that of his late Majesty's death,
should be kept as a festival, and not the day of the
present King's coronation. It is said to have been for-
merly the custom, though not till now since the reign of
King James I.
The Duchess of Monmouth, being in the same seat
with me at church, appeared with a very sad and afflicted
countenance.
8th February, 1686. I took the test in Westminster
Hall, before the Lord Chief Justice. I now came to lodge
at Whitehall, in the Lord Privy Seal's lodgings.
12th February, 1686. My great cause was heard by
my Lord Chancellor, who granted me a rehearing. I
had six eminent lawyers, my antagonist three, whereof
one was the smooth-tongued solicitor, whom my Lord
Chancellor reproved in great passion for a very small
occasion. Blessed be God for his great goodness to me
this day!
igth February, 1686. Many bloody and notorious duels
were fought about this time. The Duke of Graf ton killed
Mr. Stanley, brother to the Earl of [Derby], indeed upon
an almost insufferable provocation. It is to be hoped
that his Majesty will at last severely remedy this un-
christian custom.
Lord Sunderland was now Secretary of State, President
of the Council, and Premier Minister.
ist March, 1686. Came Sir Gilbert Gerrard to treat
with me about his son's marrying my daughter, Susanna.
The father being obnoxious, and in some suspicion and
displeasure of the King, I WOliW receive no proposal tillg three Commissioners, any two were a